University of Alberta

The University of Alberta was founded in 1908 with the promise to “uplift the whole people” and not just scholars. With an active presence in the Alberta community, particularly in the realm of sustainability, the U of A has clearly not forgotten that promise. As a top 5 Canadian university and one of the top 100 in the world, the U of A is home to more than 170 graduate programs, 200 undergraduate programs and 400 active student groups .
The U of A offers a variety of Killam awards and prizes such as doctoral scholarships, Postdoctoral Fellowships, Annual Professorships, Killam Memorial Chairs and assorted prizes. Given Mr. Killam’s business interests in the province, there was no question that the U of A would become a beneficiary under Mrs. Killam’s Will.

Killam Awards

Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarships

The Killam Scholarship Committee will annually award approximately 12 doctoral scholarships to outstanding students who, at the time of application, have completed at least one year of graduate study. There is no restriction as to citizenship. The scholarships are valued at $35,000 (Cdn) in addition to the International Graduate Student Differential Fee associated with registration in 18 fee index units (or equivalent) in courses or thesis research during the Fall and Winter Terms, or in Thesis 919 if applicable, or with the annual program fee as deterined by the date of admission to the doctoral program. The awards are tenable only at the University of Alberta and are offered for two years, subject to satisfactory completion of the first year. All fields are eligible and qualified students should contact their Department Chair at the University of Alberta.

Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Postdoctoral Fellowships

The aim of the Fellowship is to attract scholars of superior research ability who have graduated within the last two years; the fellowships are not intended for people already well established in their discipline. Applicants must have recently completed a doctoral program (PhD or equivalent) or will do so in the immediate future. Holders of doctoral degrees granted by the University of Alberta are not eligible for the fellowship. Applicants who hold or have held another named postdoctoral fellowship from any institution (including NSERC, SSHRC, etc), or who will be on sabbatical leave are not eligible to apply for the fellowship. The Fellowship is valued at $46,000 (Cdn) per year, plus a one-time $4,000 travel/research grant. The Fellowships are tenable at the University of Alberta. Normally five Postdoctoral Fellowships are awarded annually. Eligible applicants may obtain information regarding application requirements from the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research web site.

Dorothy J Killam Memorial Graduate Prize

Four prizes are offered each year to the most outstanding Killam Memorial Scholarship recipient in each of the four discipline-specific subcommittees in the annual scholarship competition at the University of Alberta: Engineering, Math and Physical Sciences; Life and Health Sciences; Social Sciences, Humanities and Fine Arts; and Education, Physical Education and Professional Programs. Each Prize provides $2,500 and a commemorative certificate. Recipients are selected on the basis of academic achievement, research proposal, letters of recommendation, and leadership qualities.

Dorothy J Killam Memorial Postdoctoral Fellow Prize

The Dorothy J Killam Memorial Postdoctoral Fellow Prize was approved in spring 2004 to further enhance the profile of the Killam name at the University of Alberta. The Prize is offered to the most outstanding Killam Postdoctoral Fellowship recipient in the annual Postdoctoral Fellowship competition. The recipient is selected on the basis of academic achievement, a research proposal, publications, letters of recommendation, and leadership qualities. The recipient receives a cash prize of $2,500 and a commemorative certificate.

Killam Award for Excellence in Mentoring

This award is given annually to one member of the academic staff in recognition of outstanding performance in mentoring the research of undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and visiting scholars. All continuing academic staff of the University of Alberta are eligible to be nominated by their home department. The nominee may be at any stage in their academic career, but generally the award will tend to recognize those with more experience. The recipient receives a prize of $5,000 and a commemorative certificate at the Annual Killam Dinner.

Killam Annual Professorships

These awards, which include a cash award of $3,500 and commemorative plaque, are made annually to outstanding professors at the University of Alberta. Up to eight new professorships are awarded annually. The Killam Annual Professorship award is based on scholarly activities such as teaching, research, publications, creative activities, presented papers, supervision of graduate students and courses taught, as well as service to the community beyond the university. This award is viewed an opportunity to publicly highlight the generosity of the Killams, and their devotion to the advancement of scholarship.

Killam Memorial Chairs

These two Chairs are awarded to scholars in support of excellence in science and/or engineering. The Chair holders are selected and the terms of their appointments determined by the Board of Governors, subject to the approval of the Killam Trustees. The Killam Memorial Professors (holders of the Chairs) are academics of the highest distinction. Chairs are appointed for a five year term, renewable once.